23 Things to Do in Seaside Heights, NJ: Fun Activities, Attractions, Restaurants & More

Beach and classic pier at Seaside Heights New Jersey

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Are you ready to soak up the sun, indulge in boardwalk treats, and experience the thrill of the rides? 

There is such an array of things to do in Seaside Heights — this charming destination has something for everyone.

Seaside Heights is a borough located in Ocean County, New Jersey, situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Barnegat Bay to the west.

This idyllic situation makes it a perfect summer vacation spot for beachgoers and watersports enthusiasts.

Seaside Heights is perhaps best known for its iconic boardwalk, which stretches for 2.5 miles and offers a plethora of attractions, including amusement park rides, games, and arcades. 

Watersports options include paddleboarding, jet skiing, and kayaking.

Seaside Heights also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with live music and bars.

To help plan your trip, we’ll take you on a journey through the exciting activities and destinations that await you in Seaside Heights, NJ.

You may also like our other Jersey Shore guides for things to do in Cape May, Ocean City, or Sea Isle City.

Or check out our list of activities in beautiful LBI, NJ.

And don’t skip all the fun of the iconic Atlantic City!

Things to Do in Seaside Heights, New Jersey

Our guide starts in the downtown area and goes all the way across the bay so you can easily navigate the places mentioned and plan your itinerary.

Check out all these fun things to do in Seaside Heights and make the most of your summer getaway!

Casino Pier Amusement Park

Casino Pier Amusement Park (800 Ocean Terrace) is the surefire centerpiece of Seaside Heights.

There is a reason Casino Pier is the first place to visit in Seaside Heights on everyone’s list.

The towering Ferris Wheel can be seen before you even cross the bay bridge into town, and the sounds of joy and excitement can be heard echoing around town late into the night.

Make sure to try thrill rides like the Skycoaster and the SuperStorm, and if you have kids, try out the bumper cars, the wave swinger or the Super Slide.

The pier you see today is a rebuild after Seaside Heights was devastated during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

It took years to rebuild it into what stands today, so go enjoy the hard work and dedication of the local community that brought visitors back to Seaside Heights!

If you like amusement parks, don’t skip Morey’s Piers in Wildwood.

Beach and classic pier at Seaside Heights New Jersey

Breakwater Beach Waterpark

Breakwater Beach Waterpark (800 Ocean Terrace) is the waterpark extension of Casino Pier.

When you’ve had enough of the beach and want some variation in your water adventures, try out the high-octane Salem’s Scream or Revere’s Wild Ride.

If you want some relaxation, spend your day in the Wave Pool or Lazy River.

Van Holten’s Chocolates & Sweet Shop

Van Holten’s Chocolates & Sweet Shop (819 Boardwalk) first started in 1904, and when you walk in you immediately sense over a century of history in its walls.

And those who have a sweet tooth should definitely include this place on their list of things to see in Seaside Heights.

There are countless chocolates, candies, dipped fruits, and baked goods with a rotating menu of flavors.

Savor the delectable specialties such as the Molasses Paddle Pops, Pecan Balls, and novelty sodas.

Heavy Reel Brewing Co

Having only arrived in Seaside Heights in 2018, Heavy Reel Brewing Company (1520 Boulevard) has established itself as a trendy spot for local brews and a laid-back scene.

There is a refreshing blend of local brews like the Reel Claw and eclectic favorites including a peanut butter chocolate imperial stout and a Japanese rice lager.

Jimbo’s Bar & Grill

Sometimes, a day at the beach isn’t complete until you’ve had a thick slice of pizza and a heaping pile of fries, and Jimbo’s Bar & Grill (715 Boardwalk) never disappoints.

Themed like a retro 1950’s diner, Jimbo’s offers all of the most satisfying fried foods, including coconut shrimp, chicken fingers and French Fries.

Seaside Heights Bike and Surrey Rentals

Most will tell you that the best way to explore a beach town is renting a local bike and traversing up and down the boardwalk or along the neighborhood sidewalks.

Seaside Heights Bike and Surrey Rentals (617 Ocean Terrace) is the perfect place to find the right bike for you, with options such as four-person or two-person surreys, adult strolling bikes, heavy-duty mountain bikes or even smaller options for kids.

Sonny’s & Rickey’s Arcade

Every beach town needs a good old-fashioned arcade, and Seaside Heights delivers in droves at Sonny’s & Rickey’s Arcade (605 Ocean Terrace).

If you are looking for things to do on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, you should begin with Sonny’s and Rickey’s.

Originally starting in 1970, this family-owned Seaside Heights attraction has held onto that tradition and small-town charm.

Whether it’s a rainy day or you need a long break from the sun, there are endless opportunities for entertainment at Sonny’s and Rickey’s.

JR’s Ocean Bar & Grill

When the sun sets and you need a place for cool drinks and cool times, head to JR’s Ocean Bar & Grill (601 Boardwalk).

Located in the center of the action along the boardwalk, JR’s features signature cocktails, an ice cold bar, and Maruca’s famous tomato pies.

Spicy Cantina Restaurant

If you are walking down the boardwalk at night, you will assuredly see a lively crowd heading inside or sitting at the balcony of Spicy Cantina.

Spicy Cantina (500 Boardwalk) is a Mexican restaurant with a concert stage, a full bar and ample outdoor seating.

Get a cocktail on the balcony with a perfect oceanfront view, or stay late for a concert by the bar.

Make sure you try their raspberry margarita paired with chicken fajitas, a famous Seaside Heights pairing.

Hemingway’s Cafe

For a unique slice of nightlife, take a break from the boardwalk at Hemingway’s Cafe (612 Boulevard).

Hemingway’s has a surprisingly diverse menu, the most popular items being their BBQ ribs and their shrimp tempura sushi rolls.

What really brings tourists in, though, is their immense interior that can host all different kinds of events, from concerts to cocktail parties.

Lucky Leo’s

In addition to Sonny’s & Rickey’s, there is another arcade that attracts a steady stream of visitors every day of the summer.

Lucky Leo’s (2507, 315 Boardwalk) is a Seaside Heights boardwalk attraction that offers a wide array of entertainment, including classic arcade games, basketball hoops and modern electronic games.

First founded in 1953, Lucky Leo’s has remained a family-owned business over the past seventy years, and that is something you can sense the moment you walk in.

Old Time Photos

Old Time Photos (215 Boardwalk) has become a unique tradition at Seaside Heights.

The elaborately-designed set pieces along with the authentic costumes makes for a photo shoot that is both hilarious and entirely memorable.

The Sawmill

The Sawmill (1807 Boardwalk) is a boardwalk staple in Seaside Heights.

With a surprisingly large interior with nearly a dozen large TVs and a full bar, The Sawmill is the perfect place to stop for some high-end bar food and drinks.

When you do pay a visit, make sure to try their oversized pizza or their pulled pork sandwich.

The Dock Outfitters

Nestled comfortably against the bay, the iconic red and silver modern design is home to everything you will need to spend the week fishing off of the docks.

At The Dock Outfitters (5 NJ-35), you can find all the essentials to begin your fishing adventure like bait and tackle, boat rentals, and fishing reports that are updated every few weeks.

Pedals N Paddles

If you are looking for things to do around Seaside Heights and are interested in a unique ocean adventure, head to Pedals N Paddles (1200 NJ-35).

There are all different kinds of rental options for an aquatic adventure, from kayaks and paddleboards to pedal boats and water trampolines.

Carteret Avenue Playground

Every parent of young kids needs to have the location of the closest playground in their back pocket for when they need it.

Carteret Avenue Playground (1200 Bay Boulevard) is the largest and most elaborate playground in Seaside Heights.

There is an impressively-large field adjacent to the playground, which is home to numerous slides, jungle gyms, swings, and a miniature waterpark referred to as the ‘Sprayground.’

Stewart’s Drive-In

For some classic American food and perfect views of the sunset over the bay, make sure you stop at Stewart’s Drive-In (1200 NJ-35).

The location is prime for a nice long stay away from the hustle and bustle along the beach, with piers for strolling and docks to lean on while you watch the sunset.

You can find their menu simple and incredibly satisfying: order a burger and fries along with a root beer in a larger frosty mug.

RJ Watercraft Rental

For extreme Seaside Heights activities, check out RJ Watercraft Rental (421 Bayside Terrace). 

Take the whole family out on the water on a pontoon boat, or rent a few jet skis for some individual action in the bay or in the open ocean.

Hooks Bar & Grill

Hooks Bar & Grill (1320 Boulevard) is a wonderful space to enjoy the night in Seaside Heights. 

The ample outdoor seating offers great opportunities to savor classic bar food and specialty cocktails, along with all different kinds of outdoor bar games, including cornhole, ping pong and skee ball.

The Jersey Shore House

If you are a fan of the reality TV show “The Jersey Shore,” then the Jersey Shore House is a must-visit destination.

Seaside Heights was home to a very popular MTV reality TV show, and the home that they lived in is available to rent but also to tour.

The Jersey Shore House (1209 Ocean Terrace) is a treat to any fan of the show, as the house has been preserved to look and feel exactly as it did about ten years ago when the show was being filmed.

Fans of the show will get a kick out of touring the house, which is open to anyone every thirty minutes or so on days when it is not being rented out.

And if you are a superfan with a comfortable budget for the week, look into renting the home yourself.

The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe

Sure, every beach town has an ice cream store, but not every town has a 1950s-themed song-and-dance ice cream store.

If you are looking for what to do in Seaside Heights, head a few minutes north to The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe (2305 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette, NJ) is a family-friendly performance venue in which Broadway tunes are sung by performers that weave all around the restaurant throughout the night.

For a unique dining experience, order some premium ice cream on top of gourmet dessert options and sit back for a one-of-a-kind dessert and a show.

Xina

Also across the bay, Xina Restaurant (3430 NJ-37, Toms River, NJ) is an incredibly popular Chinese bistro that has quickly established itself in the Seaside Heights area.

A BYOB sushi and oyster bar, Xina has an eclectic menu of Asian dishes, the most popular being the Coconut Shrimp Roll and the Pad Thai.

Ob-Co’s Donuts

It may be an inland trek back over the bay bridge, but this donut shop is a must-taste stop while you are in Seaside Heights.

Ob-Co’s Donuts (547 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River, NJ) has served fresh donuts to the Seaside Heights area for 70 years.

You can tell they are a local gem because, despite the trek across the bridge, there is still a line down the street any day of the week and the donuts often sell out before the day is done.

Their signature is the cinnamon-sugar-raised donut, which they have been making since they began in 1953.

John F. Peto Studio Museum

Learn about the life and work of an internationally-renowned local artist at the John F. Peto Studio Museum (102 Cedar Avenue, Island Heights, NJ).

John F. Peto became a globally-known artist who had an immense influence on the trompe-l’œil artistic genre in America, although the fame, unfortunately, came after his passing.

Only moderately successful during his life, Peto eventually moved to Seaside Heights in 1889 with his wife, setting up modest exhibits for local tourists and playing cornet in the local band for the rest of his life.

Now a beloved and culturally important artist, Peto’s home has been preserved along with his in-home art studio as a museum for interested locals and tourists alike. 

Final Thoughts

And that’s it for our list of things to do in Seaside NJ — we hope this inspired you to check out the places mentioned in this guide.

We would love to hear about your experiences in Seaside Heights, so please feel free to leave a comment below and share your favorite activities and attractions.

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